North Columbia

Continue to assess steep slopes for stiff, cohesive slabs that may be poorly bonded to weak layers below.

Since the avalanche cycle at the beginning of February, reports of avalanche activity have gradually declined. Over the weekend, only a few small (size 1 to 1.5) explosive and skier-controlled avalanches were reported.

Around 40 to 60 cm of snow accumulated last week and is beginning to facet and develop surface hoar in protected areas. Variable wind-affected surfaces can be found in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Snow remains unconsolidated and low-density in wind-sheltered terrain. The recent snow has buried various layers that it may not bond well to, including faceted grains, surface hoar crystals, and a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes.

The middle portion of the snowpack between approximately 50 and 100 cm deep is faceted with numerous other layers of surface hoar and/or crusts that formed over January.

The lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Monday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/ south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.